Just a small handful of Blizzard posts today, as it's the start of the week and we haven't been completely flooded with new info from the Blues (though there have been many welcome additions in the latest PTR patches, as I'm sure you guys have noticed)! As expected, most of the forum discussion has focused around since it has finally been datamined (with its datamined stats). I'd like to take this moment to remind you guys that (as always) everything that has been datamined from the PTR files is subject to change. All of it. Even the things Blizzard says themselves in their patch notes is subject to change. Remember that the Public Test Realms are just that - test realms - and that you may not be seeing the final version of some of these awesome items which are planned to go live. :)

We have a preview of Druid Tier 12 armor up as well as some more 3D models to share with you from the PTR. Remember to view it in our model viewer through the java option rather than flash if you want to see particle effects and details--this feature recently received an overhaul so they're looking even better than before.

For items, maps, icons and spell changes from this build that hit earlier today, you can check them out here.

Druid Tier 12

Other Models

After an agonizingly slow Monday, Tuesday picks up the pace with another patch for the PTR. The legendary's stats are finally datamined, over fifty new items are in our database (including more tier previews), and we've got a lot of spell changes to show you as well.

Latest Additions

has appeared, sadly with hit rating and no proc yet (this is intended so we can't spoil ourselves too badly). It also looks like the legendary's other phases-- and --are very nice items so the staff grows with you as you get into heroic progression like how was useful.

is confirmed as a faction and has some rewards listed! Keep in mind it's likely that each class gets its own rewards and ones haven't been tied in for other roles than tanks.

Engineers get a new gun to make with some awesome flavor text: !If you needed another reason to love Blizzard, might work.Tons of Tier 12 armor pieces have been added!--what a weird companion pet indeed!

New Icons

Spell Changes

Classes

: Strike the target for 180% weapon damage plus (180 / 100 * AP * 10 / 100). Only usable while in Blood Presence, or for 10 sec after the Death Knight dodges or parries. This attack cannot be dodged, blocked, or parried, and causes a high amount of threat.

: Each time you deal a non-periodic critical strike while in Bear Form, you have a 50% chance to gain Savage Defense, absorbing physical damage equal to 35% of your attack power for 10 sec.

Talents and Specialization

: When you cast Moonfire, you gain Lunar Shower. Lunar Shower increases the direct damage done by your Moonfire by 15%, and reduces the mana cost by 10%. This effect is refreshed and amplified when you move, stackingstacks up to 3 times Effect lasts for 3 sec.and lasts 3 sec. While you are under the effect of Lunar Shower, Moonfire generates 8 Solar Energy and Sunfire generates 8 Lunar Energy.

: When you cast Moonfire, you gain Lunar Shower. Lunar Shower increases the direct damage done by your Moonfire by 30%, and reduces the mana cost by 20%. This effect is refreshed and amplified when you move, stackingstacks up to 3 times Effect lasts for 3 sec.and lasts 3 sec. While you are under the effect of Lunar Shower, Moonfire generates 8 Solar Energy and Sunfire generates 8 Lunar Energy.

Astral Showers: When you cast Moonfire, you gain Lunar Shower. Lunar Shower increases the direct damage done by your Moonfire by 45%, and reduces the mana cost by 30%. This effect is refreshed and amplified when you move, stackingstacks up to 3 times Effect lasts for 3 sec.and lasts 3 sec. While you are under the effect of Lunar Shower, Moonfire generates 8 Solar Energy and Sunfire generates 8 Lunar Energy.

Uncategorized

This section has not been analyzed extensively by our team but is included for people interested in seeing what has changed in these areas.View changes

Amani Power: An Amani Bear Cub sometimes comes to your aid when dealing damage to enemies. or healing allies. Only active while you remain within Zul'Aman.

Aura of Dread: Surrounds the caster in an evil aura that deals 942 to 1057 Shadow damage per second to all enemies within 7 yards of the caster. In addtion, these targets will take 5% more Shadow damage for 5 sec. This effect stakcsstacks up to 200 times.

: When you cast Moonfire, you gain Lunar Shower. Lunar Shower increases the direct damage done by your Moonfire by 15%, and reduces the mana cost by 10%. This effect is refreshed and amplified when you move, stackingstacks up to 3 times Effect lasts for 3 sec.and lasts 3 sec. While you are under the effect of Lunar Shower, Moonfire generates 8 Solar Energy and Sunfire generates 8 Lunar Energy.

: When you cast Moonfire, you gain Lunar Shower. Lunar Shower increases the direct damage done by your Moonfire by 30%, and reduces the mana cost by 20%. This effect is refreshed and amplified when you move, stackingstacks up to 3 times Effect lasts for 3 sec.and lasts 3 sec. While you are under the effect of Lunar Shower, Moonfire generates 8 Solar Energy and Sunfire generates 8 Lunar Energy.

: When you cast Moonfire, you gain Lunar Shower. Lunar Shower increases the direct damage done by your Moonfire by 45%, and reduces the mana cost by 30%. This effect is refreshed and amplified when you move, stackingstacks up to 3 times Effect lasts for 3 sec.and lasts 3 sec. While you are under the effect of Lunar Shower, Moonfire generates 8 Solar Energy and Sunfire generates 8 Lunar Energy.

Savage Defense: Each time you deal a non-periodic critical strike while in Bear Form, you have a 50% chance to gain Savage Defense, absorbing physical damage equal to 35% of your attack power for 10 sec.

Shadow Blast: Builds up a large charge of dark energy before slamming into the ground, dealing 23562 to 26437 Shadow damage to all enemies within 35 yards of the ground location, knocking them back.

: Builds up a large charge of dark energy before slamming into the ground, dealing 23562 to 26437 Shadow damage to all enemies within 35 yards of the ground location, knocking them back.

Stay of Execution: Absorbs up to 25800 damage for 30 sec, but once the absorb expires 20% of incoming damage, up to 170950. After the effect ends, you take 8% of the damage absorbed every 3 sec for 12 sec.2 sec for 20 sec. Lasts 30 sec.

Stay of Execution: Absorbs up to 29125 damage for 30 sec, but once the absorb expires 20% of incoming damage, up to 204060. After the effect ends, you take 8% of the damage absorbed every 3 sec for 12 sec.2 sec for 20 sec. Lasts 30 sec.

A new week begins with a few new posts from Blizzard! Players eager to dive into the new patch 4.2 content on the Public Test Realms will be happy to know that character transfers have been reset and you can now transfer premade characters decked out in the finest item level 359 gear! Blizzard has also revealed some timeline details on the process of this year's Arena Pass, where players pay to compete for glory, titles, and the adorable Murkimus the Gladiator!

Blizzard has also been extremely hard at work on improving their official website, offering all sorts of nifty new pages and resources for all players new and old! Check 'em out, and tell them Wowhead sent you! ;)

4.2 PTR Premades Now Updated, Transfers Reset

Greetings,I'm happy to inform you that we have just updated the premade character copy templates with shiny new 359 item level gear. In case you already used your character copies before this update we have reset your limits. Enjoy!

Arena Pass 2011 Phases Detailed

Blizzard Entertainment

The 2011 Arena Pass is split into several different phases. To help you gain a more detailed understanding of how this year’s Arena Pass will unfold, you can find an explanation of the different phases in this article. You can also find out which matches are counted towards receiving a pet or title!

Registration Phase4 May – 21 June (9pm CEST)During this period you can register for the European 2011 Arena Pass Service. Registration will be closed outside of these dates.

Practice Phase11 May – 8 JuneDuring this period you will be able to enjoy the Arena Pass Realm and practice your setup with your friends. Matches played during this phase will not count towards the pet and title prizes.

Ranked Ladder Phase 18 June– 22 JuneAll Arena Rating points will be set to zero when this phase begins. Ranked 3v3 matches played during this phase will count towards the pet and title prizes. If a player switches from one Arena Team to another, the Arena Team that the player joins will have their Arena Rating reduced by 150 points.

Ranked Ladder Phase 222 June – 4 July (9pm CEST)Ranked 3v3 matches played during this phase will count towards the pet and title prizes. During the Ranked Ladder Phase 2 of the Arena Pass Service, players cannot switch Arena Teams.

Prize EligibilityRanked 3v3 matches that count toward the pet and title prizes will start on 8 June 2011, (once the weekly maintenance has ended) and end 4 July 2011, at 9pm CEST.

Please note that phases begin once weekly maintenance has finished on the dates specified, and end at the beginning of maintenance on the dates specified (unless stated otherwise).

World of Warcraft Community Site Updated

Blizzard Entertainment

In our ongoing efforts to bring you the most epic website experience ever (with as few explosions and malfunctions as possible), our special task force of goblin Web designers and gnomish engineers has just released a sweeping update to the Web database. Some of the highlights of this update include:

Improved Search Forum-specific search can now be accessed via the forums.

The search results layout has been updated to a cleaner, more user-friendly format.

Character, guild, arena team, and item results are now presented in a sortable table.

Performing a search will initially take you to a new Search Summary page, providing an overview of the various results.

The Game homepage has been redesigned to make it easier to access all of the available content.

We’ve added new pages that can be accessed via the Game section, by performing a direct search, or by using the breadcrumb menus below the main navigation buttons: Dungeons and Raids: You can now see overviews for each dungeon and raid that include boss lists, screenshots, maps, dungeon information, loot tables, related quests, achievements, and quest rewards.

Check out the new and improved database now, and if you have any feedback, we'd love to hear from you on the Website Features forum.

Cataclysm Art Gallery Updated

Blizzard Entertainment

The World of Warcraft: Cataclysm Art Gallery has been updated with four pieces representing the Warcraft universe. Make your way through the gallery to take a glimpse into the process behind bringing Blizzard games to life, and the artistry those games have inspired.

Latest datamining of the 4.2 PTR has revealed quite a few new quests, including Hyjal daily quests and (most importantly) new quests related to the Dragonwrath, Tarecgosa's Rest questline! We've put together a guide to the quest chain (as it currently exists) detailing the challenge players will have to undertake in order to complete this truly legendary adventure! There aren't very many details on the sources for the various quest items that will drop in , though Blizzard has stated that the quests will be challenging for the entire guild involved (which is why they'll all get that cute )! It may be similar to creation of the Shadowmourne in that Heroic-difficulty kills will have a higher chance of dropping the required items, though it shouldn't require the guild to run 25-player content as before.

Not very many details have been revealed about the staff item itself, though Blizzard has confirmed that the stats and bonuses will favor offensive casters (DPS). They have also confirmed that the staff will feature the incredible effect of changing your character into a dragon. No details yet on how exactly this is going to work (whether it will be for flying purposes, or combat) but an interesting spell discovered in our PTR database might provide some hint: . Perhaps an Atiesh, Greatstaff of the Guardian-style Replenishment "aura" effect granted to friendly raid members upon the staff's transformation effect? This spell was nestled in with the new Tier 12 set bonuses so, of course, this could just be something related to the quest chains, but hey -- nothing better to do now than speculate, right?

Read on for full details regarding the quest chain as it currently exists on the 4.2 PTR! Unfortunately, it does not appear that all quests have been added so we'll most likely be posting an update in a future PTR build, so stay tuned! Don't forget, you can check out the full Blizzard preview right here, as well!

We've datamined some recolors for tier 12 from the latest PTR 4.2 patch. There are no new tier sets to see except Warrior, but each tier that was already previewed has three shades of color (except Hunters, which have four). It's possible these could be the difference in color from non-heroic and heroic, 10 or 25 (like Ulduar's 8 and 8.5 was), or possibly even PvP models. An interesting comment a Wowhead poster presumed is that they could even be colored based on what talent tree you've specialized the majority of your points in--which would make a lot of sense, given the naming conventions on the PTR.

Anyway, we won't know until we get more information, but they're worth looking at. Some of them are certainly a lot less fiery and I hope they see the light of day.

Our friends at WoW Insider tipped us off that the set bonuses for tier 12--the embarrassing part is that they were in our database all along. Some of us have been working for fourteen hours straight now, though, and aren't that observant. OK? OK.

Two important things to note here. First, some of the set bonuses are ridiculously overpowered and some are extremely underpowered. Let's hope that these will be changed since this is the beginning of 4.2's PTR; as it stands, they are far from balanced. Second, Blizzard went a little wild with the fire theme this set of tier. This is sort of an interesting take on tier procs and certainly welcomed as a change, but it's also a little redundant. Fire damage on fire mobs? Thankfully this isn't vanilla--they would be immune.

If you like models, you're in luck. We've got a ton of models for you to view from the PTR's latest patch. Remember to click on the thumbnails to expand and get them in full 3D--they look better and you'll be able to see the details clearer, like how the has pouches on his saddle and tons of details.

From these pictures, it also looks like Hallow's End will be getting a revamp or at least a new pet. Black and orange kittens in witch hats look pretty awesome. The Winged Lion pet will probably go with the Winged Lion mount from last patch; it will be interesting to see when these land in the store together and if he's tied to another plush. Oh, and that bizarre looking whelp? How legendary indeed. (It's most likely , a reward for completing .)

Companion Pets

The PTR is finally starting to come up and we have a lot of information to post. There are over a thousand latest additions, dozens of new icons, two new maps, and even tier 12 pieces starting to be datamined.

Notable Finds:

The legendary quest is being slowly revealed by the changes to our database. This looks like a very detailed quest chain, similar to the first caster staff legendary. will be the feat of strength, is part of the quest to create it, and it's likely that x60 and are what is collected to forge the staff.

There will be four new vanity pets: , , , and . The last one will be the guild reward for completing the legendary.

A lot of profession recipes have been added, similar to the craftable ones from TBC days. Some are BoP and some are BoE. , , , and are some examples.

Some pieces of tier gear were found, though they are not a set yet.

returns--it's a little less legendary, but still just as cool.

now regenerates 5% of another target's mana, but regenerates 20% when cast on the Druid.

Latest Additions

Tier 12 Sets

Tier gear was datamined for some classes, but it is not "officially" a set. It's likely because they have no set bonuses figured out yet. At least we're able to get a sense for their stats and their names.

With 4.1 and 4.2 being split up last month unexpectedly, our database has a few vestiges of content that technically exist on live that don't drop yet. Of these items, the most important are the trinkets. Trinkets are probably World of Warcraft's most loved and hated item; they never seem to drop when you need them to. Firelands, of course, has its own set of new trinkets. While the PTR is not up yet for us to see what boss they will come from, we have them here for your viewing pleasure. We featured them a few months ago, but they got lost in the numerous updates made since.

Something interesting about this tier of trinkets is that they all have unique procs or on uses--there are also a lot of them, fifteen for each version of the raid. I wonder if one set of the trinkets is possibly from a quest reward that's different in normal and heroic, something akin to Heroic Judgment at the Eye of Eternity from Wrath of the Lich King's Heroic Key to the Focusing Iris.